The case for Castlebar Mitchels to become kings of Mayo

On Sunday, Castlebar Mitchels will aim to win their 32nd Mayo Senior title and add to their long and proud record of success. Their last triumph came in 2017, when captain Rory Byrne led them to a third consecutive title, a feat previously achieved by Garrymore (1970’s) and more recently Ballina Stephenites.

Several members of that 2017 victorious team remain involved in this year’s squad, including Byrne, Johnny Maughan, Paddy Durcan, Donal Newcombe, James Durcan, Neil Douglas and Aidan Walsh.

Before a ball was kicked this year, I felt that this Castlebar group would go all the way and they are now within touching distance of delivering. With a wealth of inter-county talent, including a superb half-back line of Sean Morahan, John MacMonagle and Durcan alongside Donnacha McHugh and Bob Tuohy, Kevin Filan has a formidable squad at his disposal. Any fears of an early banana skin against Balla were quickly dismissed as Mitchels cruised to victory, setting the tone for a season of steady progress.

Towards the start of the campaign and even after being beaten by Garrymore later in the group stages, many people around the county felt that there were a lack of forwards in this Castlebar group. A statement which I couldn't understand because Mitchels had excellent club players.

The addition of teenager Joe Forry to the attack has brought a new life to them in recent games as he and this year’s Mayo U-20 panelist Cian Walsh have both impressed. The energetic James Durcan has been buzzing in attack while the experienced Neil Douglas has been reliable and immensely important.

I’ve been watching club football in Mayo on a consistent basis for the past 15 years and I can say with full confidence, Douglas has been the best club player I've seen while Ballintubber’s Jason Gibbons and Castlebar’s Ger McDonagh aren't far behind in terms of having such an influence. Add in Ethan Gibbons, Eoghan Hughes, Anthony O’Boyle, Calum Filan and teenager Ben Joyce who looks to have a big career ahead of him, the Mitchels attack is full of firepower.

At the back, the four county men have been excellent. Donnacha McHugh is a tigerish man-marker while Sean Morahan and Paddy Durcan are still buzzing with energy. Team captain John MacMonagle may only be in his early twenties but he’s such a classy player. Around the middle, the Red and Yellow are strong with Ultan O’Reilly and Bob Tuohy both bringing a strong running game to the table. Tuohy in particular has been superb and offers a target from the kickouts.

Mentioning kickouts brings me to Rory Byrne, a steady, confident shot-stopper who has been a real leader in this group. Captain last time they won it, Byrne’s kickouts have been impressive this campaign and he can boot over placed ball efforts from distance which is a big cog in the modern game.

Looking at the management team, there’s a lot involved this year but the addition of highly-thought-of coach Cormac Rowland has seemed to give the Mitchels an extra edge. Going into the game, Castlebar are 1/2 favourites and although Garrymore bring a lot of potential for victory, I find it hard to look past Filan’s Mitchels men.